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BT Premiership Preview: Watsonians aim to topple Heriot’s

It's all to play for this Saturday, as capital based teams Heriot’s and Watsonians go head-to-head at Goldenacre, with both sides aiming to secure a play-off place (kick-off 2pm).

Watsonians trail Heriot’s by four league points, and are eager to turn the tables around this weekend in what is anticipated to be a keenly contested fixture.

The visitors have performed consistently so far this season, and recently started their new year on a high with a convincing win at home against Marr last weekend (64-5).

In the starting line-up, Nick Fraser replaces Finn Hobbis, while on the bench Willie Thomson comes in for Murray Scott and is joined by Rory Steele who replaces the injured Jack Harrison.

Watsonians’ Head Coach, Steve Lawrie, said: “We were pleased with some of our execution in attack versus Marr last week, however the players have identified a few areas that are in need of tweak as we prepare for this week’s derby.

"We also didn’t do a huge amount of defending last week so we will need to ensure we are robust in this area of our game."

The two sides first met this season in September, where Heriot's mounted a strong second-half attack to claim victory away, however Watsonians are keen to not make the same mistake twice.

Lawrie continued: “Last time out against Heriot’s we started with a bang and somewhat fizzled out in the second half through a mixture of good game management by our opposition and our own lack of accuracy.

We have endeavoured to create a more consistent effort in our play and will need to demonstrate this on Saturday at Goldenacre if we are to acquire the performance we desire."

Heriot’s will be raring to go this weekend after the disappointment from last Saturday’s narrow loss against Hawick (24-23).

Heriot’s Head Coach, Phil Smith, said: “We faltered last week, while Watsonians continued their good run of form. This has meant the top 4 places are becoming more and more difficult to "nail" down.

“Our first match saw both teams almost cancel each other out, with us just managing to get enough decent possession to gain the win.

This week should be different as both teams are now looking a bit more settled in their squad, which hopefully means nerves will not be part of it.”

Elsewhere, it’s a top of the table clash at Malleny Park as Currie Chieftains welcome current league leaders Melrose, while Marr host a bottom of the table battle at Fullarton Park against Boroughmuir.

Hawick are striving to maintain their winning momentum as they face Glasgow Hawks at Mansfield Park, while Ayr travel to Bridgehaugh Park to go head-to-head against Stirling County.